N E I G H B O R H O O D S E R V I C E S & E D U C A T I O N C O M M I T T E E 2024-2025
Annual Report
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
03 ABOUT THE COMMISSION
05 2023-2024 ADOPTED
WORKPLAN & OUTREACH PLAN
08 OVERVIEW OF YOUTH IN SAN
JOSÉ
10 YOUTH PRIORITIES SURVEY
RESULTS
11 CONTENTS
CONTENTS
WORK PLAN OBJECTIVE REPORTS
17 DISTRICT REPORTS
29 VOLUNTEER STATISTICS
49 YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCILS
50 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS &
CONTACT
55 This year, commissioners utilized the
growing awareness, influence, and
understanding that the Youth Commission
has cultivated in the city over the past
couple of years. Having expanded the
municipal code to enhance youth
participation in local government a year
prior and with the passage of the Children
and Youth Services Masterplan, the
commission built on the momentum it had
created in the past couple of years. With
the overarching goal of bridging the gap
between youth and participation in their
local government, commissioners worked
collaboratively in ad hoc committees to
target specific, actionable items.
One of these objectives included our
annual Youth Budget Priorities Survey,
which garnered over 500 responses from
youth across the city. Among many
findings, we are proud to report that we
saw an increase in the percentage of youth
who could identify ways in which their city
government benefited them. We also
continued our environmental advocacy and
gender-based violence objectives from the
previous commission, fostering civic duty,
and environmental literacy, and
empowering women.
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 0 3
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
The San José Youth Commission is a group of advocates and leaders in their community. As the official advisory group to the Mayor and City Council relaying youth priorities, we take pride in increasing civic engagement and inclusion amongst youth in the city. This year’s commission worked tirelessly to engage with youth in their district, relayed priorities to city departments, and engaged with their council members to ensure that the approximately 23,000 youth they represent are reflected in decision-making processes and the city’s development. I couldn’t be more honored to have led this group of dedicated community leaders.
Beyond our role as commissioners,
leading our Youth Advisory Councils
(YACs), and advocating for youth, the
Youth Commission has allowed us to
develop into more empathetic
individuals. I have formed life-long
friendships, learned from invaluable
mentors, and gained skills that I will
carry forward into my future career. It
has become a second home, and I
found a community I never knew I so
firmly belonged to that has taught me
invaluable lessons.
The Youth Commission is a space
meant for all. It is a space where
those with diverse lived experiences,
various needs, and varying opinions
can voice their concerns and ideas
toward building a brighter future.
Though I wish I could stay on the
commission longer, I am excited
for a new group of commissioners
to continue building equitable and
inclusive communities where every
young person can thrive and
pursue opportunities that are
meaningful to them. I look forward
to an even greater representation
and integration of youth in their
local government in the coming
years.
With gratitude,
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
NOLAN MASCARENHAS
CHAIR, YOUTH COMMISSION
CITY OF SAN JOSÉ
“...I found a community I
never knew I so firmly
belonged to that has taught
me invaluable lessons.”
P A G E 0 4 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T
YOUTHCOMMISSION
The Youth Commission is the official advisory group to the Mayor and City Council. It empowers and encourages youth civic engagement through local and citywide events and initiatives.
2nd year on the Youth Commission
Senior at Lynbrook High School
Participated on the Gender-Based Violence and
Innovation ad hoc committees
Commissioner | District 1
Aanya Mishra
2nd year on the Youth Commission
Junior at Presentation High School
Participated on the Gender-Based Violence and
College and Career ad hoc committees
Outreach Officer | District 2
Neyha Pradeepkumar
1st year on the Youth Commission
Senior at Independence High School
Participated on the Environmental Advocacy and
College and Career ad hoc committees
Commissioner | District 4
Genesis Arroyo
1st year on the Youth Commission
Sophomore at Hillbrook High School
Participated on the Environmental Advocacy ad hoc
committee
Edwin Sanchez
Commissioner| District 3
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 0 5
YOUTHCOMMISSION
4th year on the Youth Commission
Senior at William C. Overfelt High School
Participated on the Gender-Based Violence and
College and Career ad hoc committees
Vice Chair| District 5
Andrew Lieu
3rd year on the Youth Commission
Senior at Notre Dame
Participated on the Gender-Based Violence ad hoc
committee
Communications Officer | District 6
Amiya Bansal
3rd year on the Youth Commission
Senior at William C. Overfelt High School
Participated on the Environmental Advocacy ad hoc
committee
Commissioner | District 8
Aldojoell Gonzalez-Muñiz
1st year on the Youth Commission
Senior at Yerba Buena High School
Participated on the College and Career ad hoc
committee
Peter Vu
Commissioner | District 7
Youth Commissioners develop policy recommendations concerning youth and support youth who serve their community through civic engagement and participation.
P A G E 0 6 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T
YOUTHCOMMISSION
STAFF
4th year on the Youth Commission
Senior at Leigh High School
Participated on the Environmental Advocacy ad
hoc committee
Commissioner | District 9
Agam Singh
2nd year on the Youth Commission
Senior at Branham High School
Participated on the Gender-Based Violence and
Environmental Advocacy ad hoc committee
Intern for the District 10 Council Office
Chair | District 10
Nolan Mascarenhas
1st year on the Youth Commission
Junior at Valley Christian High School
Participated on the College and Career and
Innovation ad hoc committees
Marian Kucharweski
Commissioner | Citywide
Emily Terada
Youth Commission
Librarian
Megan Maloy
Senior Librarian
Vidya Kilambi
Division Manager
Dziem Nguyen
Administrative Assistant
Karla Alvarez
Chief of Staff
P A G E 0 7
The Youth Commission promotes resources and opportunities available to youth and provides equitable access and support to marginalized youth communities.
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T
ADOPTED WORK PLAN
The San José Youth Commission developed a Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2024- 2025 and presented it to the Neighborhood Services and Education Committee on September 12, 2024.
GENDER BASED VIOLENCE AND SAFETY
Collaborate with local organizations and city departments to conduct research and support a youth-led awareness campaign addressing sexual harassment, assault/domestic violence, and healthy relationships.
Host and event featuring community partners and organizations that provide support services and resources for mental health, safety, and drug awareness education.
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY
Collaborate with local organizations and city departments to launch a youth-led awareness campaign demonstrating the impact of environmental issues like invasive plant species, microplastics, and recycling and composting practices.
Collaborate with BeautifySJ and Youth Empowerment Alliance to participate in litter pick-ups, dumpster days, etc.
P A G E 0 8 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T
COLLEGE AND CAREER PATHWAYS
Receive reports on College and Career Pathways programs and initiatives, including the Resilience Corps Learning Pathway, San José Works Youth Jobs Initiative, and teen programs.
Conduct a Youth Budget Priority Session and citywide youth survey to gather insight and input from youth on budget priorities.
YOUTH COMMISSION INNOVATION COMMITTEE
Establish a committee structure and develop a comprehensive engagement strategy and provide regular Youth Commission updates.
Encourage innovative approaches to identify community issues relating to homelessness, creek clean-up, and pedestrian safety.
PROMOTE YOUTH COMMISSION AND YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL EVENTS Outcome Strategies Success Metrics
Have engaged YAC
members and youth
who participate in
work plan initiatives.
Implement a multi-channel
recruitment strategy for YACs
and Youth Commission through
library communications, school
outreach, social media, and
council member networks.
Engagement across social
media, the number of
youths who know about
the Youth Commission,
and the number of Youth
Commission applications.
Increased YAC and
Youth Commission
participation from
SJPL library
communities.
Number of youths who
participate in Youth
Advisory Councils.
OUTREACHPLAN
The San José Youth Commission developed and accepted an Outreach Plan for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 at their meeting on September 23, 2024.
CONNECT WITH COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS AND DEVELOP
PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT THE YOUTH COMMISSION WORK PLAN
P A G E 0 9
Outcome Strategies Success Metrics
Host community
based organizations
and city departments
as presenters at Youth
Commission meetings.
Identify organizations,
departments, groups, and
activities that align with the
Youth Commission work plan.
Number of presentations
at Youth Commission
meetings and the Youth
Commission work plan
objectives.
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T 0 50000 100000 150000 200000
Under 5
5 to 17 years
18 to 24 years
Total Population Below Poverty Level
Under 5 47,067 10.4% (4,915)
5 to 17 146,563 8% (11,723)
YOUTH
IN SAN JOSÉ
San José is the most populous city in
Santa Clara County, with children,
youth, and young adults under age 24
accounting for nearly 30% of its almost
one million residents. Of these, 37.5%
are Asian, 31% are Latino/x, 24.4% are
White, 3% have Black/African ancestry,
and 4.1% identify as another race or
ethnicity. Approximately 40% of
residents are foreign-born, and 50%
speak a language other than English.
CHILD, YOUTH, YOUNG
ADULT POPULATIONS
While San José is one of the wealthiest
cities in the country, many families
are struggling financially in the region.
8.2% of San José residents under the
age of 18 are below the federal
poverty level, compared to 7.4% of
the overall population of the city. For
families with children under the age
of 18, 6.5% live below the poverty
level. ■
YOUTH AND POVERTY LEVELS
20 to 24 years
23.3%
15 to 19 years
21.3%
10 to 14 years
20%
5 to 9 years
18.6%
Under 5
16.7%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2021 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates P A G E 1 0 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T
YOUTH PRIORITIES
SURVEY REPORT
None of the questions required responses, allowing participants to share what they felt comfortable with. Our outreach was successful across multiple channels, with 209 responses through flyers, 182 through social media, and 72 through email. We incentivized participation with Apple AirPods drawings, achieving our impressive completion rate.
Our survey captured a diverse cross-section of San José youth: 56% high school students and 23% middle school students; 51% Asian or Pacific Islander, 26% Hispanic/Latino, and 10% White; with 55% speaking English at home and 14% Spanish. Key demographics included 54% women, 14% reporting mental health challenges, 11% LGBTQIA+ community members, 21% first-generation Americans, and 9% potential first-generation college students.
SURVEY RESPONSE DEMOGRAPHICS
P A G E 1 1
The Youth Commission
creates and distributes an
annual survey to youth
throughout San José that
serves as a tool for gauging
youth priorities and
sentiments towards various
issues and Commission
activities. This year, the
survey collected 463
responses with an 82%
completion rate and was a
foundation for our work plan
and budget advocacy efforts.
The diverse representation of
respondents ensures that the
priorities identified truly
reflect the needs of San José
youth across various
communities.
Our Annual Youth Priorities
Survey ran from October 28
to December 9, 2024,
featuring 32 thoughtfully
designed questions.
56% are in high school
23% are in middle school
93% agree that education is important to achieve
future goals
51% identify as Asian or Pacific Islander, including
Vietnamese
26% identify as Hispanic or Latino
10% identify as White
55% speak English at home
14% speak Spanish at home
9% speak Indian languages at home
7% speak Vietnamese at home
7% speak Mandarin or Cantonese at home
54% identify as a woman
39% identify as a man
9% consider themselves low-income
14% have struggled with their mental health
11% identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community
3% identify as non-binary or transgender
21% are part of the first generation in the US
6% were born outside of the US
9% would be the first in their family to go to college
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T Looking at where our youth live and attend school, District 4 shows the highest school attendance at 25%, which we attribute to a spike in responses from Piedmont Middle School. District 5 has the highest residence rate at 23%. We see good representation across all districts. Some respondents come from other parts of Santa Clara County, showing our broader regional impact.
WHERE DO YOU CURRENTLY GO TO SCHOOL AND LIVE?
YOUTH PRIORITES SURVEY REPORT
School Live
District 1
District 2District 3
District 4
District 5District 6District 7District 8District 9
District 10
Other County
Other California
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
7%
5%
2%
5%
10% 10%
25%
13%
7%
23%
15%
7%
4%
6%
10%
8%
1%
4%
7% 6% 5% 5%7%
2%
1 2 3 4 5
0 100 200 300 400 500
Violence and safety
Poverty, housing, and homelessness issues in San Jose
Availability and quality of educational resources and programs Meaningful and sustaining job opportunities
Availability and quality of mental health resources
Environment and Climate Change in San José
Transportation
Vandalism and graffiti in San José
4.27 4.24
3.97 3.95
3.86 3.68
3.41 2.71
IMPORTANCE OF ISSUES ON A SCALE OF 1 (LOWEST PRIORITY) TO 5 (HIGHEST PRIORITY) Our survey identified several critical priorities for San José youth. Our youth ranked various issues on a scale of 1 to 5. The top priorities are: Violence and safety (4.27/5), Poverty, housing, and homelessness (4.24/5), Educational resources and programs (3.97/5), Job opportunities (3.95/5), and Mental health resources (3.86/5). This shows our youth are deeply concerned about fundamental safety and stability issues in our community.
P A G E 1 2 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T Compared to last year's results, we see increased concern about violence and safety.
Housing and homelessness remain top priorities, and educational resources consistently rank high. A notable addition is that job opportunities are emerging as a key concern. Our youth provided thoughtful suggestions for addressing these issues:
mental health resources in schools, better bike lanes and street lighting, integrated approach to homeless services, environmental initiatives, community engagement through workshops and panels, and expanded transportation options.
COMPARISION TO LAST YEAR
“Creating more programs
like sjcccs, proper harm
reduction education, more
funding for schools and arts
programs ending the war on
drugs.”
“First, understanding our
community is crucial when
addressing these issues. The
need to bring communities
together and be more
involved whether it be
through workshops and
panels would be beneficial to
get our input about these
issues. After this we can work
with the community and ask
what they want to see get
done.”
“Advocate for better bike lanes,
street lighting, and safer
crosswalks.”
“Installing mental health
resources in schools across
San José and highlighting
their abilities and availability
to students could be
helpful.”
“Third spaces and other
problems that require more
creation of physical spaces will
need to have budget allocated
to it, meaning San José needs to
raise more money and/or
reallocate funds...”
YOUTH PRIORITES SURVEY REPORT
1 2 3 4 5
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
Housing & Homelessness
Violence & Safety
Educational Resources
Mental Health Resources
Environment & Climate Change
Transportation
Vandalism & Graffiti
1 2 3 4 5
0 100 200 300 400 500
Violence & Safety
Housing & Homelessness
Educational Resources
Job Opportunities
Mental Health Resources
Environment & Climate Change
Transportation
Vandalism & Graffiti
2023-2024 2024-2025
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 1 3 Do you agree with the following statement:
THE LOCAL CITY OF SAN JOSÉ GOVERNMENT REFLECTS YOUTH PRIORITIES.
When asked how youth feel about local government and how they agree with the statement "The local City of San José government reflects youth priorities," 37.3% feel the city government reflects youth priorities (which combines "strongly agree" and "somewhat agree"), while 46.1% are neutral or unsure. Compared to last year, "Strongly agree" increased by 2.6%, and "Somewhat agree" increased by 4.7%. The neutral response decreased by 5%, suggesting more youth are forming opinions about local government as well as engaging more. We're seeing a positive trend, but there is still room for improvement. Direct quotes from our youth show a desire for more engagement with city leadership, recognition of existing youth programs, concerns about implementing youth suggestions, appreciation for current initiatives, and calls for more direct communication. “I think it does in some
ways, but it fails to connect
with what the local youth
are facing in todays society”
“I do think the City is responsive
to some youth concerns, but I
remain pessimistic about the
ability of youth to get much done
in regards of actually swaying
policymakers’ opinions. Simply
put, youth don’t have votes and
as such they don’t have a voice.
I’m sure that of the many valid
suggestions that are filtered
through YACs and policy inquiries
only a select few are
implemented, and mainly
politically expedient ones. Unless
voting infrastructure is made
more accessible to young people
youth will continue to lack any
political capital besides a small
ability to push for or against
certain policy here and there.”
“I know many youth climate
groups who constantly reach
out to the city but never even
get a response”
“I do not know much about
my community reflecting
youth priorities, but I do like
the many volunteer options
for teens available at my
library :D”
“I don't think I know enough to
answer this, but when I look up
at graffiti being regularly
covered up on the highway
bridges and then I look down
and see homeless tents I feel
like their priorities are off. But
then again one is more of a
long term fixing process than
the other.”
YOUTH PRIORITES SURVEY REPORT
Strongly Disagree
4.2%
Strongly Agree
7.5%
Somewhat Disagree
12.5%
Neutral / I don’t know
46.1%
Somewhat Agree
29.8%
2023-2024 2024-2025 % Change
Strongly Agree 4.9% 7.5% +2.6%
Somewhat Agree 25.1% 29.8% +4.7%
Neutral / I don’t know 51.5% 46.1% -5%
Somewhat Disagree 12.2% 12.5% +0.3%
Strongly Disagree 6.4% 4.2% -2.2%
Comparison With Last Year’s Responses
P A G E 1 4 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T DO YOU HAVE A DREAM JOB OR CAREER YOU'D LIKE TO PURSUE? IF YOU HAVE A DREAM JOB, WHAT IS IT, AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO YOU? Regarding future careers, 62.5% have identified dream careers, 17% are still exploring, and 16.7% are unsure. Popular career interests include healthcare and medical fields, leading at 19%, strong interest in STEM fields at 13%, creative arts at 11%, social impact roles (7%), and policy & law (6%). Youth shared inspiring reasons for their career choices, including the desire to help others, interest in solving community problems, family influences, creative expression, and environmental concerns. “At first thought, I’ve always
believed my career should
benefit others, and the first
way I thought of was
becoming a doctor. And
currently, I’m really
interested into science, so I
pursue becoming an
anesthesiologist.”
“Journalism. Right now, the
media is very polarized, just
like the country. People are
spitting out facts that aren't
backed up, videos that are cut
out important context and
make our world leaders look
incompetent or frail. This is
not the type of journalism I
want to see. I want to see
journalism that lays down all
the facts, that gives people
insight into a subject, and
that isn't purposely distorting
someone because they don't
agree with them.”
“I want to be a nurse and it’s
important to me because I get
to help others”
“Another ideal job would be
a job in community forestry
as a arborist. This is
important to me because I
have noticed the lack of
canopy cover in my
community, East Side San
José. With better canopy
cover we can reduce the
heat island effect and make
our neighborhoods better
spaces to recreate.”
“My dream job is an engineer. I
haven't decided what kind of
engineer but I'm thinking about
mechanical engineer. It's
important to me because it's
what my dad's job is and he
does a lot of work to get the
money we need to live our
normal lives.”
YOUTH PRIORITES SURVEY REPORT
Yes 62.5%
No/Not yet
17%
I don't know
16.7%
Prefer not to answer 3.8%
% of Responses
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%
Healthcare & Medical
STEM & Technical
Creative Arts
Social Impact
Law & Policy
Business & Finance
Environment & Nature
Trades & Practical
Helping Professions
Undecided & Exploring
19%
13%
11%
7%
6%
4%
5%
5%
9%
22%
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 1 5 Familiarity with San José programs shows the Youth Commission has the highest recognition at 31%, with Teens Reach following at 29%. There's room to improve awareness of other valuable programs like San José Works and work2future (12%).
Key findings about what students are experiencing indicate that academic life shows mixed results: 35% excelling and 34% struggling, as if they are two sides of the same coin. Time management is a significant challenge; mental and emotional well-being needs attention, and strong social connections are reported among many students. ■ ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THE FOLLOWING SAN JOSÉ PROGRAMS?
YOUTH PRIORITES SURVEY REPORT
WHAT ARE YOU EXCELLING OR STRUGGLING WITH THIS YEAR?
P A G E 1 6 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T % of Responses
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%
Resilience Corps
San José Works
work2future
Teens Reach
Youth Commission
13%
15%
12%
29%
31%
Excelling Struggling
Academic Life
Time Balance
Mental & Emotional Wel being
Social Connections
Extracur iculars
Future Development
Financial Resources
Home Environment
Physical Wel being
Personal Growth
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
35% 34%
1%
14%
3%
9%
22%
12% 11%
4%
5% 5% 4%
7% 6%7%
5% 4%
7% 6%
Comprising of District 1
Commissioner Aanya Mishra,
District 2 Commissioner Neyha
Pradeepkumar, District 6
Commissioner Amiya Bansal,
District 5 Commissioner and ViceChair Andrew Lieu, and District 10 Commissioner and Chair Nolan
Mascarenhas, the Gender-Based
Violence Ad Hoc Committee first
convened in September of 2024.
The ad hoc committee focused its
work on the following:
GENDER-BASED
VIOLENCE &
SAFETY
Collaborate with local
organizations and city
departments to conduct
research and support an
awareness campaign on
youth-related issues,
including but not limited to:
sexual harassment,
assault/domestic violence,
or healthy relationships
1. Host events featuring
community partners and
organizations, such as
resource fairs, town halls,
and workshops, to provide
support and education on
topics including: mental
health, safety, and drug
awareness education
2. WORK PLAN OBJECTIVE
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 1 7 As an ad hoc, we did this by:
Gathering youth input
through our annual Budget
Priorities Survey.
1. Researching different
community-based
organizations specific to the
City of San José that work
towards promoting antigender-based violence
initiatives.
2. Implementing an event in
partnership with community
organizations such as the
YWCA to promote healthy
relationships and support
women's empowerment in our
local community.
3. Gathering Community Input
Understanding the priorities of
the youth and population of the
San José community is imperative
to taking the first steps to combat
gender-based violence and
recognizing the community's
needs. A large part of this
initiative was gathering input
through our annual Youth Budget
Priorities Survey. Notably,
Violence and Safety ranked first
on a list of issues the youth of
San José found important.
Furthermore, the ad hoc gathered
input from the personal
experiences of the committee’s
commissioners, which included
witnesses of instances regarding
gender-based violence, social
media discussions, and reflections
on the ad hoc’s past year’s
outcomes.
GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE & SAFETY
Researching Community Resources
A significant part of our planning
process for the community event
involved researching and
identifying community-based
organizations (CBOs) that actively
promote anti-gender-based
violence initiatives. CBOs play a
crucial role in addressing social
issues at the grassroots level by
offering specialized resources,
direct support, and educational
programs tailored to the
community's needs.
P A G E 1 8 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T Community Partnership Event
To advance our objective of
hosting educational and supportdriven events, the ad hoc committee will organize a genderbased violence (GBV) awareness event featuring the YWCA’s
workshop on healthy relationships
and a keynote speaker. This event
will provide resources, interactive
discussions, and advocacy tools on
key issues such as safety and
healthy relationships to empower
attendees and promote
meaningful change.
Through this initiative, we aim to
educate, equip, and inspire
attendees to take action against
GBV, fostering a stronger, more
informed community. ■
GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE & SAFETY
Their work is vital in bridging the
gap between local government
efforts and those who need these
services the most.
One of the key partnerships we
developed was with YWCA Silicon
Valley, an organization dedicated
to empowering survivors of
domestic violence, promoting
gender equity, and providing
essential support services.
Recognizing their extensive
experience in advocacy and
prevention education, Youth
Commissioners met with YWCA
representatives in February to
formally request their
participation in our leadership
event.
During this meeting,
commissioners emphasized the
importance of equipping youth
with the knowledge and tools to
address gender-based violence in
their communities. As a result of
this collaboration, YWCA agreed
to host a workshop at the event,
soon to be providing attendees
with expert-led discussions on
topics such as healthy
relationships.
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 1 9 The San José Youth Commission
recognizes the need to alleviate
climate change stress among
youth. In its August Retreat, the
Commission agreed to implement
community-wide solutions,
awareness campaigns, and youth
advocacy.
With that vision in mind, the
Commission announced the
formation of an Environmental
Advocacy ad hoc committee
composed of District 3
ENVIRONMENTAL
ADVOCACY
WORK PLAN OBJECTIVE
Commissioner Edwin Sanchez,
District 4 Commissioner Genesis
Arroyo, District 8 Commissioner
Aldo Gonzalez-Muñiz, District 9
Commissioner Agam Singh, and
District 10 Commissioner and
Chair Nolan Mascarenhas.
The Committee focused on
upscaling environmental
awareness around native plant
rehabilitation, food waste, and
litter pickups, all areas of
importance detailed in the
Commission's 2024-25 Work Plan.
The following report presents the
work done to achieve the
Commission's environmental
objectives.
P A G E 2 0 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T Basking Ridge Park Tree Planting
Project
On May 10th, in collaboration
with the Parks, Recreation &
Neighborhood Services (PRNS)
department and the Mayor’s
Fund, the Commission will
successfully led the planting of
ten new trees at Basking Ridge
Park. This initiative aimed to
enhance urban green spaces,
improve air quality, and
contribute to local climate
resilience. The tree species were
selected for their drought
tolerance, shade provision, and
ability to support native wildlife.
Volunteers, including Youth
Advisory Council members and
community members, will
participate in the planting
process, underscoring the
importance of urban forestry in
San José’s environmental efforts.
District 1 Adopt-a-Storm Drain
Event
As part of the Commission’s
commitment to stormwater
management and pollution
reduction, the Commission
supported the efforts of the
District 1 Council Office to launch
an Adopt-a-Storm Drain event in
April 2025 at Rainbow Drive.
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 2 1 Volunteers will gather to clean,
mark, and officially adopt a storm
drain, reinforcing community
stewardship in preventing urban
runoff pollution. This initiative
complements broader citywide
efforts to maintain cleaner
waterways and mitigate flooding
risks through proactive
stormwater infrastructure
maintenance.
Community Cleanup Initiatives
The Commission prioritized
neighborhood and park cleanups
as a key component of its
environmental advocacy work.
Commissioners Arroyo, Sanchez,
Gonzalez-Muñiz, and
Mascarenhas organized multiple
cleanup efforts, partnered with
local neighborhood associations
to remove litter, improved public
spaces, and fostered a culture of
civic responsibility. In a long-term
commitment to park
maintenance, Commissioner
Mascarenhas formally adopted
Almaden Lake Park, ensuring
ongoing beautification and
environmental care through
scheduled cleanups and
community engagement;
Commissioner Sanchez is also
looking into adopting a local park
in the future.
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY
Blight Reduction Report
In response to growing concerns
about urban blight, the
Commission reviewed the City’s
ongoing efforts to eliminate blight
and enhance neighborhood
aesthetics. The report detailed
existing eradication strategies,
including abandoned property
interventions, graffiti removal
programs, and waste reduction
campaigns. Recommendations
were made to strengthen
partnerships between city
departments and community
groups, emphasizing sustainable
solutions that prevent recurring
blight issues.
P A G E 2 2 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T Climate Adaptation and
Resilience Plan (CARP)
Recognizing the need for a
forward-thinking approach to
climate-related risks, the City of
San José has been developing the
Climate Adaptation and
Resilience Plan (CARP). This
initiative focuses on identifying
policies and foundational
measures to minimize climate
vulnerability. Complementing
Climate Smart San José, which
targets emissions reductions,
CARP aims to safeguard residents
and infrastructure from climate
hazards. To date, the Commission
has supported the plan by
reviewing existing policies,
analyzing hazard-prone areas,
and assessing climate impacts on
local communities. Moving
forward, this will remain a crucial
area of engagement as the City
works to strengthen long-term
climate resilience.
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY
Eco-Swap Event
Did you know that enough new
clothing has been produced to
clothe the next six generations?
One of the most significant
contributing factors to
overconsumption was the rise of
inexpensive clothing, better known
as “fast fashion,” and the District 4
and 7 Youth Advisory Council came
together to do something about it.
In April 2025, an Eco-Swap was
held at the Berryessa Branch,
encouraging residents of District 4
and San José to bring in clothes
they no longer use, and swap them
for new ones that others had
brought in. The event encouraged
the sustainability of second-hand
items and allowed citizens to get
new clothing items without
purchasing them brand new. The
remaining items were donated to a
community organization that
assists the unhoused. ■
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 2 3 The San José Youth Commission
recognized the need to study and
evaluate career and education
pathways, programs, and
initiatives to ensure that these
resources were addressing the
needs of our most vulnerable
communities and to ensure
equitable access to higher
education/technical opportunities
to ensure that youth are living
meaningful and productive lives as
outlined in the Children and Youth
Services Master Plan.
COLLEGE AND
CAREER
PATHWAYS
WORK PLAN OBJECTIVE
Thus, the Commission appointed
Citywide Commissioner Marian
Kurcharewski, District 2
Commissioner Neyha
Pradeepkumar, District 4
Commissioner Genesis Arroyo,
District 7 Commissioner Peter Vo,
and District 5 Commissioner and
Vice-Chair Andrew Lieu to further
explore these objectives in the
Career and Higher Education Ad
Hoc Committee. As the committee
pursued our outlined objectives,
the committee also investigated
programs, projects, and initiatives
beyond the scope of our initial
objectives.
P A G E 2 4 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T Received reports on College and
Career Pathways
Throughout the fiscal year,
Amanda Otte, the College and
Career Pathways Coordinator,
presented a series of crucial
demographic data points,
accompanied by insightful
analyses and detailed
breakdowns for programs
including but not limited to
Career Online High School,
Resilience Corps Learning
Pathways, and San José Works.
Commissioners were partially
interested in understanding the
impact and reach of these
programs to ensure equitable
access for all children and youth
in San José.
Furthermore, the committee
engaged in robust discussions
around college and university
affordability. As higher education
becomes increasingly financially
inaccessible for many students
and families in San José and
COLLEGE AND CAREER PATHWAYS
across the Bay Area, there is an
increasing demand for additional
resources to support students and
families in completing the recently
updated Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
However, the committee also
recognized the need to support
students and families transitioning
into non-traditional higher
education pathways such as career
and technical education. Programs
such as Work2Future provide
those opportunities for many
youth, particularly those from
traditionally underrepresented
backgrounds. Thus, the committee
explored potential opportunities to
use the Carnegie Grant Funding to
focus on creating human-centered
and youth-led design of city
programs and workshops to
ensure effectiveness in preparing
youth to engage in sustained,
meaningful, and productive lives.
Received reports on the CitySchool Library Partnerships The committee received reports
from Elizabeth Nolan, Senior
Librarian of Expanded Learning, on
the School District Partnership on
Library Cards. This collaboration
supports students’ academic and
career achievement goals by
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 2 5 allowing them unique
opportunities to engage with San
José Public Library materials,
such as using all San José Public
Library electronic resources.
The committee recognizes the
value of the San José Public
Library student card, as it
reaches students from various
school districts across San José,
including but not limited to Alum
Rock Union School District, Alpha
Public Schools, and Oak Grove
School District. The committee
saw it as a valuable opportunity
to support students during
school consolidation and
closures. With this
understanding, the committee
looked to expand this particular
resource by merging high school
and city library resources.
Investigated Merging High School
and City Library Resources
The committee recognized the
San José State University and San
José Public Library partnership at
Dr. Martin Luther King Library as
a unique strength that enables
residents and students to access
the combined collection of books,
movies, and music offered by
both institutions. This
partnership provides a wide
COLLEGE AND CAREER PATHWAYS
range of resources for both
academic and community users.
In light of this, the committee
proposed merging the East Side
Union High School District library
catalog with the San José Public
Library to enhance access to
educational resources and
facilities. The committee sought to
examine the Mount Pleasant
Neighborhood Library to explore
this model further. As a lease on
the Mount Pleasant Elementary
School District property, its unique
position provides valuable insights
into our vision. The committee
convened a roundtable of city,
school, and community leaders to
delve into the factors
underpinning the partnership and
explore potential avenues for
scaling it up to high schools. While
we remained optimistic about our
vision for libraries, the committee
concluded that the current fiscal
and political climate posed
significant challenges and
precluded further actions. ■
P A G E 2 6 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T The San José Youth Commission
created the Innovation Committee
to give young people a platform to
tackle civic challenges like
homelessness, environmental
sustainability, and pedestrian
safety. The committee is still being
developed, with work underway to
build a strong foundation for longterm impact.
The committee’s primary goals are:
SAN JOSÉ YOUTH
COMMISSION
INNOVATION
COMMITTEE
WORK PLAN OBJECTIVE
1. Involving youth in city
decision-making.
2. Building partnerships with
schools, city departments, and
industry stakeholders.
3. Hosting an Innovations pitch
conference to showcase youthled ideas for city improvements.
So far, the committee has focused
on engaging stakeholders,
developing plans to reach out to
potential partners, and structuring
its operations. A big part of this
work is forming connections with
schools, nonprofits, and
businesses to boost participation
and awareness.
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 2 7 into how the Mayor’s Office is
pursuing AI-related events and
how the Youth Commission can
structure its initiatives in the
future. She noted that the event
was most impactful for networking
opportunities and its influential
speakers, who discussed AI's
practical applications in the real
world.
Next Steps
Next year, the committee will hold
regular monthly meetings,
strengthen partnerships, and
finalize the conference plans to
ensure youth-led ideas become
real solutions. ■
SAN JOSÉ YOUTH COMMISSION INNOVATION COMMITTEE
The committee is also planning to
work with technology companies
and nonprofits to provide
mentorship, funding, and
resources for young innovators.
To ensure strong leadership and
organization, an experienced
advisor will be brought in to help
guide the committee.
Insights with AI Learning
Commons
In January, Commissioner
Kucharewski attended the
Women in AI Summit hosted by
the Mayor’s Office in
collaboration with SJSU. While
there, she gained insights
P A G E 2 8 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T In September 2024, I established
the District 1 Youth Advisory
Council (D1 YAC), a team of 21
civically engaged high school
students dedicated to fostering
positive change in our community.
Along with the San José Youth
Commission, our primary goals are
to provide policy recommendations
to the Mayor and City Council,
address youth concerns, organize
impactful events, and advocate for
our district residents.
The D1 YAC Vice Chair, Yuvraj Gill,
and I met with San José State
University Professor Richard Kos
from the Department of Urban &
Regional Planning to discuss a
transportation memorandum we
drafted last year, advocating for
implementing a comprehensive
road safety plan on school
campuses. As a result of that
conversation, we joined Professor
Kos’s Urban Planning Research
team for Envision SJ 2040, an
initiative that transforms
underutilized areas in Saratoga
into higher-density urban districts
that promote transit use and
walkability.
We collected data on roadway
conditions in various Saratoga
neighborhoods and investigated
how implementing urban villages
could improve transportation
efficiency and address residents'
safety concerns.
This year, the D1 YAC was divided
into four focus groups: Civic
Engagement, Career Pathways,
Mental Health and Environment.
DISTRICT 1
DISTRICTREPORTS
BY AANYA MISHRA
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 2 9 Civic Engagement Team
(Anushka Deshmukh, Leon Le,
Sylvia Dong, Anika Khanna, Renfei
Xu, David Zhu, Aditi Sabari)
The Civic Engagement team is
organizing an event in May 2025
to educate youth on how to get
involved in community
betterment and civic
engagement. The event includes
a hands-on activity where
attendees create posters
highlighting local issues that
matter to them and a discussion
panel featuring keynote speakers,
including Greg Zieman (Santa
Clara County Child Abuse
Prevention Council) and Rhizome
(a grassroots voting education
organization).
Career Pathways Team
(Anshika Gupta, Michelle Yang,
Chander Lolayekar, Shashwath
Dinesh, Aditi Satish, Mahi Shah)
The Career Exploration team is
focused on co-hosting A.I.M. in
June 2025, a citywide initiative
designed to support students with
college and career planning. The
team will organize a workshop on
navigating the UC application
process and providing guidance on
completing and strengthening
applications.
Mental Health Team
(Jingjing Liang Members: Ameyaa
Rajan, Sanshray Jaiswal, Erika Wang)
Explored innovation professions
with potential neurodiversefriendly workspaces and
investigated different
opportunities and resources to
support neurodivergent youth in
San José.
Environment Team
(Evan Liu, Kateryna Voloshyna)
Researched into teaching a
sustainability workshop for young
children with an interactive activity
where they build catapults using
sustainable materials to launch
DISTRICT REPORTS: DISTRICT 1
P A G E 3 0 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T recyclables into designated bins to
introduce ideas of waste
management and environmental
responsibility.
In addition to our primary
initiatives, the D1 YAC partnered
with the NorCal Chapter of
Rhizome, a grassroots
organization, to host the Youth
Voter Summit in October 2024.
This event introduced local youth
to the election process,
emphasized the importance of civic
engagement, and featured
California High School Democrats
Chair George Balan as a guest
speaker.
In April 2025, we plan on hosting
District 1 Councilmember
Rosemary Kamei at our Youth
Advisory Council (D1 YAC) meeting.
There, we plan on introducing the
D1 YAC’s structure and officer
team, presenting the details of
each group’s project proposals,
and gaining direct feedback from
Ms. Kamei to enhance the reach
and impact of our initiatives. In the
end, we hope to allow D1 YAC
members to ask Councilmember
Kamei questions and gain insight
into her work in District 1. ■
DISTRICT REPORTS: DISTRICT 1
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 3 1 The District 2 Youth Advisory
Council (YAC) is composed of
fifteen dedicated individuals
committed to creating meaningful
change within the South San José
community. Under the leadership
of Youth Commissioner Neyha
Pradeepkumar, Chair Ruby Yu, and
Vice Chair Emma Zhou, the YAC
convened in October 2024 to
reflect on the past year and
develop a strategic work plan for
the upcoming term.
This year’s work plan focused on
four key objectives: promoting
mental health awareness, including
campaigns dedicated to eating
disorder education, providing
accessible sex education resources
for youth in public spaces,
strengthening relationships with
the District 2 Council Office,
attending community events,
engaging with neighborhood
associations and city officials, and
increasing youth involvement in
local government, expanding social
media presence through the
introduction of a Communications
and Outreach Officer to enhance
engagement and visibility.
A significant initiative the District 2
YAC undertook this year was
exploring sex education resources
available to youth and developing
a central hub to access this
information. This project, led by
the executive team (Ruby Yu,
Emma Zhou, Tanisha Bhugra,
Chithruby Jambunathan, and
Andrea Chen), is set to be finalized
by March 2025. In collaboration
with Planned Parenthood, the YAC
leveraged the expertise of
community-based organizations
with extensive experience in the
sex education field to enhance this
resource’s impact.
DISTRICT 2
DISTRICTREPORTS
BY NEYHA PRADEEPKUMAR
P A G E 3 2 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T On the communications and
outreach front, under the
leadership of Tanisha Bhugra, the
YAC significantly expanded its
reach, gaining over fifty new
followers on Instagram.
Additionally, multiple government
officials engaged with the YAC’s
content, following and reposting
key initiatives, further amplifying
our work.
The YAC also had the privilege of
meeting Councilmember Pamela
Campos on multiple occasions,
including at the Youth
Commission Annual Budget
Priorities Summit and during a
regular council meeting.
These interactions allowed the YAC
to align its goals with those of the
District 2 Office, laying the
foundation for future partnerships
and initiatives in the coming fiscal
years.
The 2024-2025 term was an
immensely valuable and
productive year for the District 2
YAC, fostering growth,
collaboration, and new
opportunities. As we move
forward, we look forward to
welcoming new members,
expanding our initiatives, and
continuing to make a meaningful
impact in South San José. ■
DISTRICT REPORTS: DISTRICT 2
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 3 3 As the newly appointed District 3
Youth Commissioner, I've
dedicated my first year of service
to strengthening community
engagement and amplifying youth
voices across San José. Since
stepping into this role in August, I
quickly established monthly
neighborhood cleanups that
consistently attracted over 70
participants, with Youth Advisory
Council members helping me
promote environmental
stewardship. These regular events
not only improved our district's
appearance but also fostered a
stronger sense of community
responsibility.
I participated in critical policy
discussions throughout my
inaugural year, including the San
José Budget Summit, where I
advocated for youth-centered
spending priorities. When our
district faced the selection of an
interim council member, I spoke at
public forums to ensure candidates
would understand and address the
unique needs of District 3
residents, particularly our young
people.
Despite being new to the position, I
successfully organized several
community-building initiatives this
year. I led our district's National
Night Out event, creating valuable
opportunities for residents to
connect with law enforcement in
positive settings.
DISTRICT 3
DISTRICTREPORTS
BY EDWIN SANCHEZ
P A G E 3 4 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T ffff Our Earth Day Cleanup
represented our largest
environmental initiative, mobilizing
residents across neighborhoods to
participate in beautification efforts
that made a visible difference
throughout the district.
Working alongside schools,
nonprofits, and city departments,
I've helped shape local policies
affecting District 3 youth. By
encouraging young people to
participate in civic initiatives, I've
ensured their perspectives are
incorporated into community
planning and decision-making.
Under my new leadership, the
Youth Advisory Council has grown
in both impact and influence, with
members actively contributing to
meaningful district conversations.
This first year of service has
demonstrated the power of youth
engagement in addressing
community challenges. As I look
toward the future, the foundation
we've built through consistent
neighborhood cleanups, policy
advocacy, and youth
empowerment initiatives will
continue to strengthen District 3
for years to come. ■
DISTRICT REPORTS: DISTRICT 3
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 3 5 This year, District 4’s Youth
Advisory Council (D4YAC)
comprised 31 members residing in
the District 4 area of San José, all
working to create a better future
for their peers through holding
events, drives, awareness
campaigns, volunteering, and
writing policy. Divided into four
teams: Homelessness & Poverty,
Environment, Social & Racial
Equity, and Mental Health &
Accessibility, they worked to create
awareness and change within their
respective groups.
D4YAC met bi-weekly on Sunday
mornings at 9:30 a.m. at the
Berryessa Branch Library. District 4
Commissioner Genesis Arroyo led
the meetings, which were
supported by Vice Chair Chloe
Truong and Secretary Katie Hion.
These three individuals were also
responsible for organizing the
annual A.I.M. (Advise, Inspire,
Motivate): Pathways to Our Future
Conference, held in June,
dedicated to college and career
pathways for San José Youth.
The Advisory Council was also
present at the Youth Commission’s
annual Budget Summit, a Holiday
Potluck with Councilmember David
Cohen, the 20th anniversary of
their Berryessa Branch, and, most
likely, the most memorable to the
members, a Billie Eilish concert,
courtesy of the District 4 Council
office. They also volunteered at
several District 4 events, such as
the annually held and loved
Berryessa Art Festival and city
Dumpster Days, residing in the
District.
DISTRICT 4
DISTRICTREPORTS
BY GENESIS ARROYO
P A G E 3 6 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T D4YAC Homelessness & Poverty
Team
Led by Ojas Gandhi and Vienna
Thai and staffed by Thierry Dao,
Amy Ly, Nhu Le, Advhik Krishna,
and Emmy Brewer, and overseen
by Chloe Truong.
This year, the Homelessness &
Poverty Team hosted its annual
clothing drive in collaboration
with Independence High School’s
canned food drive. In addition,
the team volunteered at the
Second Harvest Food Drive to
directly help feed families in
need. Finally, the group
completed a memo pushing for
the Implementation of Financial
Literacy in Schools to foster a
better understanding of finance
among San José youth. The team
hopes to make this memo part of
the city’s budget for the following
year.
D4YAC Climate Change &
Environment Team
Led by Evelyn Wang and Vihan
Bhattacharjee and staffed by Diya
Arun Kumar, Paakhi Manglik,
Navika Deeptak, Ceci Goyette,
Amber Trinh and overseen by Katie
Hion.
With the help of BeautifySJ, the
D4YAC Environment Team
successfully hosted a park cleanup in February at one of District 4’s busiest parks, Penitencia Creek.
Gathering on a Saturday morning,
the Advisory Council picked up
nearly 6 bags of trash within 2
hours. This event would be
followed by an Eco-Swap in late
April 2025 at the Berryessa Branch
with TeensReach and D7YAC,
where residents in the District
could bring in used clothing that
they no longer wear to exchange it
with another person’s used
clothing. This encouraged the use
of second-hand clothing as
opposed to overconsuming new
clothing. The team also worked to
draft a memo on providing all SJPL
branches with E-Waste Disposal
Bins to lessen electronic waste.
DISTRICT REPORTS: DISTRICT 4
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 3 7 D4YAC Racial & Social Equity Team
Led by Akshadha Chakravarthi
and Olivia Rodrigues, and staffed
by Aditi Jain, Kalie Huynh, Mahi
Mekala, and Abigail Guereca.
This team was focused on
educating their residents on the
importance of acknowledging and
combating racial bigotry in
everyday life. Inspired by the
book by Ibram X. Kendi, they
hosted a “How to be Anti-Racist”
event in early May,
including interactive activities, a
presentation about how to
approach such topics proactively,
and a keynote speaker.
D4YAC Mental Health & Awareness
Team
Led by Sunny Tuazon and Amy
Nguyen, and staffed by Nidhi
Yellamraju, Manushri Pitale, Ethan
Huang, and Katie Chan.
The Mental Health & Awareness
team was heavily focused on
providing resources for the mental
health of all District 4 residents,
targeting youth who are most
vulnerable at ages 11-13. With the
help of the Berryessa Union School
District, the team created graphic
designs proving misconceptions
about mental health wrong, as well
as infographics on anxiety and
ADHD, and posted them at all
three middle school campuses in
the district in the month of March.
These flyers all contained QR
codes that led to resource pages
created by the team for those in
need of assistance if they are
struggling. ■
DISTRICT REPORTS: DISTRICT 4
P A G E 3 8 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T The District 5 Youth Commission
has made significant contributions
to shaping the development of the
Children and Youth Services
Masterplan and the City’s Blue
Zones Policy Strategy. These
strategies aimed to enhance the
quality of life for our young East
Side residents by providing them
with an equitable opportunity to
live productive, meaningful, and
sustainable lives.
Furthermore, we’ve continued our
partnership with Councilmember
Peter Ortiz’s Office to host our
second annual “Culture Fest,”
which celebrates the diverse
cultures of the community.
Additionally, we have authored
memorandums including to ensure
cash acceptance at brick-andmortar stores and letters calling on the Mayor and City Council to
protect our immigrant community
and maintain Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion programs and initiatives.
Throughout the year, the District 5
Youth Commission has actively
participated in various committees,
including the Career and Education
Ad Hoc Committee and the
Gender-Based Violence Ad Hoc
Committee.
The District 5 Youth Commission
has continued to engage with
numerous community and nonprofit organizations at
unprecedented levels. In March
2024, Vice-Chair Lieu was
appointed by the President of the
National League of Cities to
represent the San José Youth
Commission as Youth Delegate to
the National League of Cities. This
unique appointment has allowed
the Youth Commission to engage
on the national stage with
thousands of cities, towns, and
villages across the nation,
exchanging ideas and best
practices in working to improve
their communities. ■
DISTRICT 5
DISTRICTREPORTS
BY ANDREW L IEU
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 3 9 Together, we focused on violence
and safety and ultimately secured
the highest amount of mock
funding after our presentation! The
summit itself drew a strong
turnout and helped us connect
with other civically engaged youth
across the city. It also created
opportunities to grow our Youth
Advisory Councils (YACs) and
strengthen D6’s partnerships with
fellow commissioners.
District 6 has made great strides in
expanding our YAC and continues
to welcome new applicants. We
host regular Zoom meetings that
focus on research, drafting policy
ideas, and planning events. I’ve
also proudly served on the GenderBased Violence Ad Hoc Committee for a second year, and we are
currently planning our luncheon!
Although my term on the
commission is coming to a close, I
am immensely grateful for the
experiences, the growth, and the
chance to make a difference. I wish
the next District 6 Commissioner
all the best in their term! ■
Serving as the District 6 Youth
Commissioner and
Communications Director has been
an incredibly rewarding
experience.
One of the highlights this year was
a successful collaboration with the
Citywide Youth Commissioner as
we prepared for the annual Budget
Summit.
DISTRICT 6
DISTRICTREPORTS
BY AMIYA BANSAL
P A G E 4 0 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T The District 7 Youth Advisory
Council (D7 YAC) represents a
dynamic collective of young
advocates dedicated to
transforming community potential
through passionate leadership and
strategic engagement. Comprised
of twenty-two dynamic individuals,
the YAC serves as a critical bridge
between youth perspectives and
local civic development, creating
meaningful pathways for
community impact and innovative
problem-solving.
Creative Futures Fair
The D7 YAC demonstrated its
exceptional event planning and
community support capabilities by
hosting the Creative Futures Fair
two years in a row. By meticulously
coordinating with local high
schools and Key Clubs, the D7 YAC
transformed an ambitious vision
into a vibrant celebration of youth
entrepreneurship and creativity at
Yerba Buena High School. The
event showcased 34 dynamic
youth-led businesses representing
diverse entrepreneurs from across
San José and featured
performances by 30 talented
student musicians who
represented the city's rich musical
landscape. The fair's success relied
on 60 dedicated high school
volunteers from multiple schools
who worked tirelessly to create a
memorable experience, attracting
nearly 300 community members.
Adding gravitas to the occasion,
Councilmember Doan and
Councilmember Campos delivered
inspiring speeches, highlighting the
importance of youth leadership
and entrepreneurship in San José's
ongoing development. More than
just a fair, the event served as a
powerful platform for young
innovators to display their talents,
network with community leaders,
and demonstrate the remarkable
potential of San José's next
generation of business and
creative professionals.
DISTRICT 7
DISTRICTREPORTS
BY PETER VU
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 4 1 Environmental Stewardship and
Commitment
D7 YAC members also
demonstrated much interest in
supporting the Environmental Ad
Hoc Committee, having
demonstrated a profound
commitment to ecological
sustainability. Their active
participation in tree-planting
initiatives across San José in
Partnership with Yerba Buena
High School National Honor
Society reflects a holistic
approach to community
development that extends
beyond traditional civic
engagement. By volunteering for
green space expansion projects,
these young advocates have
shown their understanding of
environmental conservation as a
critical component of community
well-being.
Community Engagement
The YAC’s partnership with the
Vietnamese American Roundtable
exemplifies their dedication to
cultural understanding and
community cohesion. Their
volunteer work at the Lunar New
Year event at Grand Century Mall
in District 7 went far beyond
simple event assistance. These
young leaders actively supported
cultural preservation efforts,
engaged with community elders,
and created welcoming, inclusive
atmospheres that celebrate the
rich cultural diversity of their
community. ■
DISTRICT REPORTS: DISTRICT 7
P A G E 4 2 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T As the District 8 Youth Commissioner this year, I worked alongside the District 8 Youth Council Committee to develop an action strategy outlining their vision for community engagement and cross-organizational partnerships. We joined forces with the Welch Park Neighborhood Association, actively participating in their regular litter collection initiatives, community clean-up days, and monthly food distribution events in collaboration with Second Harvest. These efforts helped enhance our neighborhood's cleanliness, safety, and overall well-being.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time serving on the Youth Commission, finding deep fulfillment in having my voice represent the diverse needs and perspectives of my community and making friends along the way. The opportunity to advocate for and implement positive change alongside my peers has been an invaluable experience that reinforced my commitment to public service. ■
DISTRICT 8
DISTRICTREPORTS
BY ALDOJOEL L GONZALEZ-MUNIZ
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 4 3 This year, the District 9 Youth
Advisory Council (YAC) focused on
strengthening our presence in
District 9 and building connections
with Leigh High School students.
We created flyers and conducted
outreach to identify strong
commissioner candidates while
maintaining regular
communication with our
councilmember through bi-annual
emails. Our partnership with
Leigh's Environment Club for tree
planting initiatives demonstrates
our commitment to environmental
sustainability.
Throughout the year, we held
productive sessions developing
policy recommendations, including
a prioritized list of budget
proposals for upcoming fiscal
planning. To increase youth
engagement, we've initiated the
paperwork to establish a YAC club
at school and continue to expand
our outreach through social media,
ensuring the next District 9 Youth
Commissioner can build on our
environmental policy work and
start with strong momentum.
As my time on the Youth
Commission comes to an end after
spending my entire high school
career in this role, I look back with
gratitude for this enriching
experience and look forward with
high hopes for the next
Commissioner who will fill my seat
and continue our important work. ■
DISTRICT 9
DISTRICTREPORTS
BY AGAM SINGH
P A G E 4 4 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T During my tenure as Chair for the
Youth Commission, I led the
Commission, supported its
members in their respective roles,
and served as the primary
representative and spokesperson. I
represented the Commission at
NSE and LEC reports, ensuring that
youth perspectives were included
in key discussions. Additionally, I
worked to strengthen collaboration
between the Commission and local
leaders, community organizations,
and city departments.
A key part of my role involved
researching the availability and
quality of educational and career
resources in preparation for the
budget summit. I compiled data
and information to support
discussions on youth priorities,
ensuring that these issues were
considered during budget
planning. Additionally, I drafted the
Youth Commission’s budget letter
to City Council, outlining key
funding priorities and advocating
for resources that directly impact
young people in San José.
I also contributed to the
Commission’s environmental
efforts, supporting the planting of
10 trees to promote sustainability
and green spaces in the
community. In addition, I worked
closely with the Almaden Valley
Community Association as a Youth
Board Member to host sessions on
civic engagement. These events
included School Board and City
Council candidate forums, which
provided community members
with an opportunity to engage with
local candidates and learn more
about their platforms.
DISTRICT 10
DISTRICTREPORTS
BY NOLAN MASCARENHAS
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 4 5 To further support community
involvement, I led monthly park
cleanups with my Youth Advisory
Council (YAC) at Almaden Lake
Park. These cleanups ensured
that public spaces remained wellmaintained and accessible to residents. Additionally, I invited
Councilmember Panetta to
discuss youth priorities at
Vineland Library, facilitating a
direct conversation between local
government officials and youth
advocates.
Beyond my work with the Youth
Commission, I interned for the
San José District 10 Council Office
until December 2024. In this role,
I assisted with local government
initiatives and helped address
community concerns, ensuring
that youth representation
remained a priority in city
discussions.
I'm proud of the work I have done
with the Commission this year
and look forward to the new
incoming District 10
Commissioner building off of
what we have accomplished this
year! ■
DISTRICT REPORTS: DISTRICT 10
P A G E 4 6 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T
CITYWIDE
DISTRICTREPORTS
BY MARIAN KUCHAREWSKI
During my first year serving as the
Citywide Youth Commissioner, I
continued the newly established
Citywide YAC with the intention to
integrate youth voices. Throughout
this fiscal year, my focus remained
steadfast on building a robust
foundation that would ensure the
YAC's continued operation and
success in the years to come.
My leadership responsibilities
included spearheading the creation
and management of our Instagram
presence, which proved
instrumental in recruiting
members and raising awareness of
commission events. I navigated the
complexities of establishing the
council from scratch, setting clear
expectations, developing
operational norms, implementing
recruitment strategies, and
structuring our leadership
framework. Through dedicated
outreach, we successfully
cultivated and maintained an
active membership exceeding 20
youth representatives. Under my
guidance, we conducted more than
seven council meetings and
planned three youth-centered
events that resonated with our
peers across San José.
A significant portion of my work
centered on researching critical
issues affecting San José's youth
population. I directed our council's
exploration of various topics,
including the state of public transit
and its accessibility challenges for
young people. Our investigations
extended to the nightlife and social
landscape, with particular
emphasis on artistic expression
and the need for creative spaces. I
also facilitated sessions on resume
building, career development, and
policy writing during our YAC
meetings, equipping members with
practical skills. Beyond our
research initiatives, I coordinated
our participation in three park
cleanups in collaboration with the
Mayor's Office, demonstrating our
commitment to community service.
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 4 7 DISTRICT REPORTS: CITYWIDE
amplify our collective impact. I'm
particularly focused on enhancing
our research efforts by
transforming our ideas into
tangible events and policy
proposals that can effect
meaningful change for San José's
youth.
I'm deeply proud of what we've
accomplished during this
foundational year and remain
committed to advancing the
voices and interests of young
people throughout San José. ■
Looking ahead to the coming
year, I've outlined a strategic
vision to continue expanding our
membership and fostering
leadership development among
our members.
I plan to organize additional
youth-centered events and
initiatives based on the successes
and learnings from our inaugural
year. A key priority will be
strengthening our partnerships
with schools, city departments,
and community organizations to
P A G E 4 8 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T Total number of volunteer service
hours from Youth Commission and
Youth Advisory Council members
from June 2024 to April 2025.
1,085
The average number of hours spent
by the 11 Youth Commissioners on
activities such as attending general
meetings, coordinating YAC
meetings, conducting community
outreach, and crafting policy
recommendations.
51 The average number of hours
spent by 41 Youth Advisory Council
members across San José was
spent on activities such as
attending YAC meetings,
supporting district events, and
doing policy research.
13 VOLUNTEER STATISTICS
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 4 9 Youth Advisory Councils (YAC) are
a core group of approximately 135
volunteer youth throughout San
José that support the Youth
Commission’s mission and vision.
These councils provide valuable
input and insights on policies and
programs directly impacting young
people. Through participation,
they gain a voice in shaping the
future of their communities and
ensuring that policies and
initiatives are responsive to the
needs and aspirations of the
younger generation.
This year, the Youth Commission
established an online application
to encourage participation and
boost YAC recruitment efforts
citywide. This digital approach has
helped streamline the YAC
recruitment process and increase
accessibility for interested youth.
YOUTH ADVISORY
COUNCILS
P A G E 5 0 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T To date, the application form has
received 235 submissions,
demonstrating its effectiveness in
reaching potential youth
volunteers.
Additionally, the Youth
Commission established a
participation survey for youth
volunteers who participated in
individual District YAC meetings or
Youth Commission events to better
understand who is participating
and gather program feedback.
Participation in this survey is
optional, and its reach depends
upon the Commissioner
distributing it at their regular
meetings, which is why some
District participation is
underreported. Overall, the survey
captured 139 YAC participant
responses.
We saw the highest application volume in
September 2024, with 82 submissions (34.9%).
This peak likely aligns with back-to-school
outreach efforts, when students are more
connected to school-based announcements.
The second highest volume occurred in March
2025, with 30 applications (12.8%), which may
reflect end-of-cycle recruitment pushes. These
trends highlight the impact of strategic timing
in engaging youth and ensuring awareness of
opportunities.
YAC APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BY MONTH
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCILS
Aug 2024
Sept 2024
Oct 2024
Nov 2024
Dec 2024
Jan 2025
Feb 2025
Mar 2025
0 20
40 60
80 100
Applicant distribution varies significantly across San José’s districts, with District 1 leading at 51 applicants (21.7%), followed by District 8 with 41 (17.4%). Districts 9 and 10 each saw 24 applicants (10.2%), while Districts 2, 5, and 6 had moderate representation (15-22 applicants). Participation was lowest in Districts 3, 4, and 7, with 9-11 applicants each. Ten applicants selected 'Other' as their district.
Council preferences largely align with residence patterns. District 1 was the most requested (37 applicants, 15.7%), closely followed by District 8 (36 applicants, 15.3%).
The Citywide option drew 21 applicants (8.9%), while 15 applicants (6.4%) selected 'I Don’t Know.'
A strong majority (64.5%) applied to serve in their home districts, highlighting deep community ties. However, 20.1% applied outside their district, likely due to school location or specific interest in another area’s initiatives. The remaining 15.4% opted for the Citywide option or were unsure, signaling an openness to broader service. These patterns underscore the importance of both local engagement and flexible opportunities for cross-district participation.
District of Residence Preferred YAC
District 1
District 2District 3
District 4
District 5District 6District 7District 8District 9
District 10
Citywide/Unknown
0 10
20 30
40 50
60 51
37 17
24 10
12 11 10
15 17
22 14
6 4
41 36
24 22
24 22
10 36
Same District
64.5%
Different District
20.1%
Citywide/Unknown
15.4%
YAC APPLICANT DISTRICT PREFERENCE
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 5 1 High school students dominate the applicant pool, with grades 9-11 accounting for 80% of applications. Grade 11 leads with 67 applicants (28.5%), followed by grade 10 with 61 (26%) and grade 9 with 60 (25.5%). Grade 12 participation drops significantly to 23 applicants (9.8%). Middle school students (5.1%) and college students (3.4%) represent small minorities. Archbishop Mitty High School leads with 21 applicants (8.9%), followed by Evergreen Valley (14 applicants, 6%) and Lynbrook (13 applicants, 5.5%). The top ten schools contribute 45.5% of all applications, while over 60 other schools across San José account for the remainder, highlighting both concentrated interest at certain institutions and opportunities to diversify recruitment efforts.
YAC APPLICANT GRADE LEVEL
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCILS
Middle School Grade 9 Grade 10
Grade 11 Grade 12 College/Other
0 50 100 150 200 250
Middle School (6-8)
High School (9-12)
College/Other
60 61 67 23
0 5 10 15 20 25
Archbishop Mitty High School
Prospect High School
Notre Dame San Jose
Lynbrook High School
Evergreen Valley High School
Leland High School
Bellarmine College Prepatory
The Harker School
Silver Creek High School
BASIS Independent Silicon Valley
Independence High School
22 17
17 15
14 11
11 10
9 9
8 YAC APPLICANT TOP SCHOOLS
YAC applicant interests center primarily on education (77 mentions, 32.8%) and environment (48 mentions, 20.4%), followed by recreation (13 mentions), mental health (12 mentions), parks (11 mentions), and libraries (11 mentions). Social justice concerns include housing (9 mentions), pollution control (6 mentions), and initiatives serving vulnerable populations (6 mentions each).
These interests connect closely with the Youth Commission's work plan objectives and the top issue areas among youth, as identified in the Youth Priorities Survey. This natural alignment suggests incoming Advisory Council members will effectively support established initiatives while contributing fresh perspectives on San José's most pressing youth concerns.
YAC APPLICANT INTERESTS
P A G E 5 2 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T 0 20 40 60 80
Education
Environment
Recreation Mental Health
Parks
Libraries
Housing
Pollution Control
77 48
13 12
11 11
9 6
While this distribution does not reflect all YAC participation, District 4 leads with 41 members (30% of total engagement), followed by Districts 7 and 1, with 28 and 21 members, respectively. Districts 5 and 2 show moderate participation (19 and 13 members), while the Citywide YAC and District 8 have smaller representations (10 and 4 members). Notably, YAC maintains a strong 90.5% active participation rate (124 youth), highlighting that once young people join, they remain engaged and committed.
WHICH YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL
(YAC) ARE YOU PARTICIPATING IN?
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCILS
Participants
District 1
District 2District 3
District 4
District 5District 6District 7District 8District 9
District 10
CItywide
0 10
20 30
40 50
21 13
41 19
28 4
10 Yes 90.5%
No
9.5%
HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN THE
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL THIS YEAR?
YACs primarily engage high school students aged 15-17, who make up the majority of participants (54 total), while younger teens (ages 13-14) have limited representation (5 participants), and only one participant is 18. Gender distribution reveals a significant imbalance, with women outnumbering men nearly three-to-one (43 women to 15 men).
Notably, YACs also include gender non-binary/genderqueer (3) and transgender (2) participants, reflecting a commitment to inclusion across the gender spectrum.
YAC PARTICIPANT AGE
Participants
13 14 15 16 17 18
0 5
10 15
20 3 3
17 18
19 1 Woman
68.3%
Man
23.8%
Gender Non-Binary/Genderqueer
4.8%
YAC PARTICIPANT GENDER
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 5 3 Youth Advisory Councils span 19 zip codes, with the highest participation concentrated in West San José (95129: 12 participants) and North San José/Berryessa (95132: 7 participants). District 4 has the broadest reach, engaging youth from seven zip codes, followed by District 7 with six. Some areas show concentrated engagement (95070 sends all four participants to one district), while others are more dispersed (95129 participants span three programs). This distribution highlights strong representation in western areas while pointing to opportunities for expanded outreach in East San José neighborhoods.
WHICH YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL (YAC) ARE YOU PARTICIPATING IN?
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCILS
District 1 District 2 District 4 District 5 District 7 District 8 Citywide 9512995132
95111
95070951295127
95131
951394539
95121
95124
9513595148
95014
9511295116951369513895139
0 2
4 6
8 10
12 12
7 5
4 3 3 3 3
2 2 2 2 2
1 1 1 1 1 1
1 2 3 4 5
0 20 40 60 80 100
The program I attended met my expectations.
I would recommend the program to others.
1 3
54 76
1 44
89 YAC PROGRAM SATISFACTION
Participant satisfaction is exceptionally high, with 97% rating the program 4 or 5 out of
5. A majority (76 participants) gave the highest rating, while 54 rated it 4, and only four expressed lower satisfaction. Feedback highlights three key strengths: collaborative teamwork, efficient organization, and open communication. Participants appreciated productive discussions, well-structured meetings, and successful event execution, including performances and vendor participation.
While most respondents had no suggestions for improvement, recommendations focused on refining meeting structure, improving time management, expanding community outreach, and incorporating more interactive activities. Some noted inconsistent attendance and suggested covering multiple topics rather than focusing on just one. Overall, the feedback affirms a strong program that meets youth needs and expectations, requiring only minor adjustments rather than major changes. ■ P A G E 5 4 Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Y O U T H C O M M I S S I O N 2 4 - 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T P A G E 5 5 SAN JOSÉ CITY DEPARTMENTS
The Mayor and City Council Offices
The City Manager’s Office
San José Public Library
Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services
Environmental Services Department
Budget Office
Clerk’s Office
SAN JOSÉ CITY STAFF
Council Liaison: Councilmember Campos
Councilmember Kamei
Councilmember Cohen
Councilmember Doan
Jill Bourne, City Librarian
Laura Buzo
Mayra Cerda
Alexander Dersh
Ann Grabowski
Lauren Hawkins
Cassie Hunter
Ofelia Medina
Lizzie Nolan
Amanda Otte
Lucas Ramirez
Kallie Schloemann
Willow Glen Library Staff
ORGANIZATIONS
YWCA
Bill Wilson Center
Vietnamese American Roundtable
PARTNERS
Congressman Panetta (CA-19 Office)
San José Library and Education Commission
San José Youth Empowerment Alliance
Santa Clara County Youth Task Force
THANKYOU
The San José Youth Commission extends heartfelt appreciation to all who have contributed to our endeavors. We thank city officials, staff, and department heads for their support. We warmly thank our community partners for enriching our programs and events benefiting San José's youth.
We're grateful for the energy and ideas of our young participants and for the generosity and enthusiasm of our Youth Advisory Council volunteers. Thanks to the families of our Commissioners and Youth Advisory Council members for their support. We also acknowledge the contributions of educational institutions, sponsors, donors, and residents of San José. Finally, we sincerely appreciate our dedicated staff and advisors driving our mission forward. sjpl.org/YouthCommission
[email protected]
@SJYouthCommission